First Quote by Wilhelm Ostwald
“Faced with this general consideration it will immediately be realized on inquiry into the particular position occupied within this general scheme by the scientific field of catalysis that it is in the first stages of its development.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Lehrbuch der Chemischen Kinetik, 1910
Scientific fields develop through stages; early stages are marked by limited understanding and rapid growth.
In simple terms: New scientific areas start small and grow.
Key Takeaway
Recognize early-stage fields and support them.
Themes
science
development
growth
Mood
cautious
optimistic
Type
analytical
forward‑looking
When to use this quote
- funding decisions
- policy planning
- academic curricula
- industry R&D
Key Concepts
catalysis
stage theory
research maturity
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance optimism with realistic expectations?
- What resources best accelerate early development?
A Different Perspective
Early-stage fields may lack data, making predictions uncertain.
![“My only supporter and comrade-in-arms was Georg Helm, who had endeavored to formulate an energetic conception of science before me and had presented his results in a treatise [Die Lehre von der Energie] exhibiting great independence of thought. But we were separated by his aversion to a realistic…” quote by Wilhelm Ostwald](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e54/wilhelm-ostwald-28861_allies_my-only-supporter-and-comrade-in-arms-wa_142681.jpg)
